Celebrating the Life of Selma Jean Ross

At 5:47 pm, January 5, 2026, God gently reached out and called our beloved Selma Jean Ross home and she peacefully and quietly took His hand and went to be with the Lord.

Selma Jean Ross, lovingly known as Jean or Jeannie, was born on December 5, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to John Odel Douglas, Sr. and Ruth Douglas.

Jean received her education at Shoop Elementary School and Morgan Park High School, later earning her GED in 1977. Jean worked at the Cook County (Chicago) Police Department as a file clerk before relocating to Washington in 1978. She retired from Prosperity Wellness in August 2023 where she worked as a Behavioral Health Therapist. She was adored by her clients and coworkers for being straightforward yet kind. Each of her client’s strived to kick Ms. Jean’s rock at their graduation, because Ms. Jean would lovingly say “This is the start of your new life…. now go be successful and don’t let me see you back here again.”

Jean was a feisty and spirited woman who found boundless joy in spending time with her family. She especially loved dancing, watching sports, bowling, and she treasured every moment shared with those she loved.

Our mother’s memories and stories told will forever be carried on. She is survived by her five children: Denise Stephens (Greg), Regina Douglas, Lorrie Douglas, Bryan Douglas, and Angetina Smith; sisters, Alice Douglas and Clarice Harden; brother, Eugene Douglas (Sandra); seven grand children and seventeen great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Ross, her Grandmother Selma McGuire, her parents, sister, Lois Douglas, brother, John Douglas, Jr. and her daughter in-law Rhonda Douglas.

Moma, we love you forever to the moon and back plus one day. Now God's arms are your comfort and his table your eternal joy.